Civic Activism as a Novel Component of Armenian Civil Society

“As a non-participant to any protest, I usually join torchlight processions, 35 and I will
tell why. Because I know why I go there, why it has been organised, what is its reason
and what the outcome will be. While one doesn’t know anything about the protests: who
the organisers are, who it is being financed by, even if you learn, one can never be sure.
You become a marionette in the hands of others, who have some plans to implement by
engaging a lot of youth. I know a lot of people who simply join protests for the sake of
entertainment. I think, only about ten per cent of people who join know why they are
there.” Male, 25
When asked about reasons not to participate, some of the non-activists refer to the 70
years of Soviet experience when people would be forced to spend the rest of their lives in exile,
in Siberia, after attempting to speak out. This indicates that the fear still exists. Certain
stereotypes remain a considerable hindrance even to some young representatives who, might be
surrounded by many older people in their homes. “In order to go against something, I need very
serious reasons and guarantees.” Non-Activist, Female, 29
Similarly, some tell stories of being deceived by a previous participation experience. For
example, after attending a meeting organised by a political party, one person found that the
organisers simply needed the public for the sake of visibility and numbers. “...After that I
realised nothing is worthy. Every gathering needs its constituents for the sake of exercising an
existence, a visibility, really, of public support.” Male, 27
New methods of involvement and struggle are being demanded. Non-activists highlight
that they might join various initiatives if there were new, creative methods. Because the
initiatives are generally limited to protests on the street, many abstain from participating.
Referring to Electric Yerevan, some mention that, for example, it might have been more
productive if the public had started to not use electricity as a demonstration of being against the
policy, instead of going and shouting on the street. In the words of a non-activist, “I do not
participate, because I don’t think that standing, holding posters or shouting will bring any
change.” Male, 22
It seems that among non-activists, there is a demand for new, non-violent and creative methods
of resistance.
8.1.4. How to Improve
Civic activism is an important element of a country’s political culture. However, its primary
importance lies in the extent to which it can exert an impact. To succeed in having an impact, it
is important for activist campaign to a) cooperate with different groups within society; b)
develop communication and outreach techniques; c) be open and transparent; d) enrich
knowledge of methods of peaceful resistance; and d) exercise perfect portfolios for public to
engage.
35 Organised annually on the Twenty-fourth of April to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.
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